Standoff at Gatundu South tallying centre as RO proposes to suspend exercise
Confusion has marred the tallying of votes at Gatundu South main tallying centre after the Constituency's Returning Officer proposed to suspend the exercise until tomorrow, August 11, citing exhaustion of the electoral body's employees.
Ligulu's proposal was, however, met with absolute rejection by all the candidates and their agents who led malice in the proposal.
By the time of going to press, there was a heated discussion between Ligulu and the candidates who were insisting that the IEBC staff continues with the exercise until the winners in various elective positions are announced.
Led by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party candidate GG Kagombe, the candidates argued they could not trust anyone to guard the election materials.
Further, Kagombe expressed fear that unspecified individuals were scheming to rig him out despite a section of his challengers having conceded defeat.
"We don't want this nonsense, the exercise must continue. We understand all of us are human beings who are prone to fatigue but we can only allow the break to happen if you, the RO will permit us to guard the election materials herein," Kagombe said.
Standoff at Gatundu South tallying centre intensifies
The standoff between the election stakeholders was rife by the time of going to press.
Earlier, Njinji Murigi, an independent candidate who was trailing Kagombe, conceded defeat.
While congratulating him, Murigi who comes from the same village as the UDA candidate, said he had respected the will of the people on the ballot and urged his schoolmate to work hard to transform the constituency.
"My brother, the easier task was in winning but the difficult task awaits you. Your win is a reflection of the frustration people have gone through. I did my best and i know our people loved me but i could do nothing about their frustrations," he said.
"Congratulations! My people, let the friendship we have shared not wither. I have learnt lessons which are worthwhile. Congratulations to the UDA party," Murigi added.
In his statement to journalists, Kagombe claimed that other contestants in the race among them Joyce Ngugi had also wished him well.
